Old or VERY Old Luxury – Don Julio 1942 and Real Review

Don Julio Tequila is one of the best tequilas made. From humble beginnings, Don Julio Estrada turned this spirit into something known for refinement when, at the time, it was the drink of the working man. Today, his legacy continues in two amazing tequilas….Don Julio 1942 and Don Julio Real.

Both tequilas are made from hand selected Blue Weber Agave plants grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. The pinas are slow cooked in brick ovens, then shredded and rolled to extract their juice, which is then fermented and distilled.

Don Julio then double distills both selections. The second distillation takes place in a still that can only hold three barrels at a time. As a result, the process might take longer….. but it creates a sophisticated, exceptionally delicious spirit!

The tequilas are then aged in American Oak Barrels. However, this is where they distinguish themselves….. Don Julio 1942 is aged for 30 months while the Real is aged for 5 years!

The results are an amazing Anejo (the 1942) and Ultra Anejo (the Real) that are meant not only for sipping, but for savoring as well.

The 1942, named after the year that Don Julio Estrada began distilling tequila for the first time (at the ripe old age of 17), has tastes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. It is smooth and silky with an extraordinary clean finish. It comes in a beautiful, tall bottle, and elegant wooden box. This is such a exquisite Anejo, be sure to sip it “neat” in a snifter to get the full character of this tequila.

Starting with its decanter, the Don Julio Real is a work of art. The bottle is wrapped in silver agave leaves and topped with a heavy crystal stopper. However, it’s what’s inside that is the true masterpiece. The taste is full of coffee, caramel and chocolate, with hints of citrus. The notes are vanilla, coffee and wood. It is smooth and elegant, with a spicy finish. Like the 1942, you should only think of sipping this “neat”. Savor it on a cool summer night (maybe in front of a fire fountain, like the courtyard of La Posta de Mesilla!).

If you’d like to sample either of these fine tequilas before purchasing (the 1942 retails for $100 while the Real retails closer to $400), they’re available at the Adobe Cantina y Tequileria at La Posta de Mesilla. Try one or both, or better yet, include them each in a Don Julio Tequila flight! And if you can get a seat outside next to our Courtyard Fountain, be sure to do that too!

Learn How to Make your Favorite Margarita like the Pros at La Posta de Mesilla